Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:136 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the initiatives being taken to tackle under-age drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20525/01]
Written Answers. - Under-age Drinking.
I have expressed my concerns on the issue of under age drinking on numerous occasions. The health promotion unit of my Department is involved in several measures aimed at addressing this issue. Education programmes have been developed so that young people may be more informed and better equipped to make informed decisions when faced with the issue of alcohol. Children are targeted through the substance misuse prevention programme called Walk Tall which was developed and delivered in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, the health boards and teachers. Training in this programme has been given to 95% of primary schools. Adolescents are targeted through the substance abuse prevention programme, SAPP, called On My Own Two Feet which will form part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. To date, two-thirds of post primary schools have received training in this programme. The SAPP programme is also available for youth leaders working in local communities and at risk youth groups. Training is available for professionals and parents at community level through the regional health boards, with the purpose of helping long-term prevention of alcohol and drug misuse.
A training initiative developed in association with the drinks industry on the responsible serving of alcohol has been established. This is a training course for those in the pub trade and hospitality industry and was developed in co-operation with the drinks industry group and CERT. Some of the issues addressed in this programme are the prevention of serving those under-age, those who are going to drink and drive and those who are already intoxicated.
The health promotion unit commissioned the first national lifestyle surveys, the Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition and the Health Behaviour in School Aged Children HBSC. They provide a profile of health-related behaviours including current drinking patterns. The first report was published in 1999. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at regular intervals. Research is currently being carried out in relation to the impact of alcohol advertising on young people, the results of which are expected in the near future. This research will inform future policy in this area.
A new campaign aimed at young high risk drinkers has been launched. This campaign emphasises the choices open to young people and promotes a healthier lifestyle. The alcohol awareness campaign carries the slogan "Less Is More – It's your Choice". It promotes alternative activities to drinking and encourages people to examine their lifestyle. As part of that campaign, the health promotion unit of my Department held a special seminar which was attended by over 100 stakeholders including health professionals, youth groups, teachers, parents, community groups, vintners and the Garda. At local level, the Department is working with youth leaders and health professionals in each of the health board areas to identify best practice initiatives within communities that promote awareness of alcohol to young people. Many of the health boards have already developed successful programmes to tackle some of the issues, and my Department will be supporting the continuation of these. The health promotion unit of my Department is about to commence a new phase of this campaign which will focus on those who buy or supply alcohol to those underage. It comprises of a poster which will be displayed at alcohol outlets nationally and a series of radio messages. The theme is keeping children safe from drink and alerts people to their part in dealing with this problem. This phase will be set in motion shortly and will coincide with the summer holiday season and exam results.